When preparing to work internationally, consider governance as well as legislative and ethical obligations from the beginning. Addressing regulatory obligations and societal expectations in controlling for risk helps safeguard research, researchers, UTS and the national interest, while enabling benefit from research.  

International collaboration in today’s dynamic geopolitical environment can be complex. UTS offers several resources to help staff navigate this complexity.  

“Anyone engaging with international partners should consider the associated risks and governance requirements from the start,” said Maggie Wang, International Research Grants Manager.  

Be informed of what actions you need to take when managing international collaborations and UTS’s International Engagement Framework.  

Connect with the Research Office for guidance on how to: 

  • assess relevant geo-political and research risks, including by identifying foreign interference risk  
  • comply with any ethical, regulatory and legislative requirements relevant to your international collaboration 
  • comply with relevant UTS policies and funder requirements 
  • accurately cost the value of your international research partnership, factoring in ongoing management workload 
  • establish, manage and maintain professional relationships with international organisations 
  • establish legal contracts and agreements with international organisations 
  • adhere to data storage and sharing regulations across international partners. 

Be sure to complete the International Collaboration and Engagement online training module that is compulsory for all UTS ongoing and fixed term staff, with support available.

Identify and mitigate research risks

Staff in the Research Office can assist you to make informed and strategic choices about research partnerships and advise on mitigations for risk.  
 
“Our mission is to ensure researchers are supported so their research activities balance openness and security concerns in dynamic environments. By prioritising risk awareness and compliance from the outset, you can navigate partnerships strategically and with confidence, protecting the research ecosystem,” said Allison Jackson, Executive Manager, Research Stewardship. 

The UTS Research Stewardship team has developed a checklist to help UTS researchers consider risk related to international research activities.  You can find these resources in the Risk in Research Sharepoint. 

What’s next? 

Go to the Building an International Research Strategy landing page